On Monday, March 28th, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) http://www.metroweekly.com/poliglot/2011/03/us-citizenship-and-immigration.html">confirmed that it would hold off on processing green card applications from married, same-sex couples that were being routinely denied the right to remain together. Thinking USCIS would hold these cases until the legal challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was resolved, advocates for LGBT and immigrant rights celebrated a step forward for basic justice.

Perhaps USCIS, DHS, and the White House need a reminder that these are real people’s lives they are toying with. Sign the petition urging USCIS to stand by its original decision to hold off on processing green card applications for loving same-sex couples, at least until DOMA can be decided.

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We are a volunteer grassroots organization that addresses the widespread discriminatory impact of U.S. immigration laws on the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and HIV+ people and their families through education, outreach, advocacy and the maintenance of a resource and support network.

NO U.S. citizen should be forced to choosebetween country and partner!

I am writing because I strongly believe that green card applications from loving, same-sex couples should be put on hold for processing until after the courts make a final decision on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

To do otherwise -- at this critical moment for equality -- would be both unjust and not in keeping with the priorities of this Administration and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Again, I urge you to embrace the public policy that USCIS outlined on Monday, March 28th, and hold these cases in what is called "abeyance" until DOMA is decided one way or the other. No one should have to choose between the person and the country they love, just because of their sexual orientation.